Willie Rennie takes Action against Mesothelioma

4.50.00pm GMT Mon 6th Mar 2006

Dunfermline and West Fife MP, Willie Rennie, has shown his support for the British Lung Foundation's Action Mesothelioma campaign on Monday 27th February - the first Action Mesothelioma Day.

Action Mesothelioma Day marks the start of the Action Mesothelioma campaign - a year long initiative to raise awareness about this rare and aggressive form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

The rising number of deaths from the condition is linked to the use of asbestos in the building industry up until the mid 1980's. The time between exposure to asbestos and developing mesothelioma can range from 15 to 60 years, with death coming within two years of diagnosis.

According to new research* by the British Lung Foundation, only 13% of people in the UK are aware of the disease and only 7% are aware that survival from diagnosis can be less than six months.

The increasing number of people carrying out DIY and home improvements has also sparked fears that people could be exposing themselves to asbestos, which was widely used as a building material in homes, schools, hospitals and other buildings constructed between the 1950's and 1980's.

14,294 people have signed the Action Mesothelioma patient charter - which calls for faster diagnosis, better treatment and care services, more funding for research and measures to prevent future asbestos exposure. Representatives from the British Lung Foundation, Mesothelioma UK, the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund and the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund presented the Charter to 10 Downing Street on 27 February 2006 to launch the campaign.

Willie Rennie MP said: "I am delighted to be supporting the British Lung Foundation's Action Mesothelioma Campaign. This cruel disease kills one person every five hours in the UK and this figure is set to peak over the next decade. This campaign is vital to raise awareness of the condition and also the potential danger that people could face, from asbestos in their homes, when undertaking DIY projects. I hope that the Government will look closely at the Mesothelioma Charter and do all they can to address the issues it raises"

Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation said: "We are very pleased that Willie Rennie MP is involved in the Action Mesothelioma campaign. This deadly lung cancer destroys the lives of its victims and their families. The time between diagnosis and death is short and in the vast majority of cases, people suffer a tortured and agonising death. We want to encourage more interest in mesothelioma and warn people about the precautions they can take to avoid exposure to asbestos in their homes. By supporting our campaign Mr Rennie will help us to raise the profile of the condition and move it up the Government's agenda."

Anyone who wants more information about the British Lung Foundation, or Action Mesothelioma should visit www.lunguk.org or call the BLF Helpline on 08458 50 50 20.